Foreigners celebrate Holi in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 11 (IANS) A large number of foreign delegates gathered here to discuss the perils of smoking ended up celebrating Holi, heaping colour on their Indian colleagues and enjoying every moment of it. It was the first time many of the foreigners got introduced to Holi, thanks to the initiative of the organisers of the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health that ends Thursday.

The special celebration took place at the Cricket Club of India lawns near the Trident Hotel Tuesday evening.

“It was the first time that I experienced Holi,” said Naptal Offen, a delegate from the US. “I was struck by the similarity between Holi and a Jewish festival.”

Francisco Ruiz from Spain was delighted. “It was a unique cultural experience of India. We tasted traditional foods of Holi too and danced to folk songs,” he said.

Added Canadian Jack Boomer: “It was a festival with a difference. People threw colour on each other and danced together.”

The conference of anti-tobacco advocates, health experts, scientists and educators started in Mumbai Sunday. It has drawn over 2,000 delegates from abroad.